The stage is set for Regional NSW to host a number of upcoming performances and productions thanks to over $674,000 in Regional Arts Touring funding from the NSW Liberal National Government, announced by Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC.

Mr MacDonald announced the Central Coast community will play host to a number of productions selected to share in the funding such as the Ensemble Theatre’s Diplomacy directed by John Bell, Ghenoa Gela’s biting social commentary My Urrwai, as well as performances by the prestigious Australian Chamber Orchestra.

“The Central Coast is passionate about the arts and I’m thrilled some of these much-loved organisations will soon be on stage on the Central Coast.”

“Central Coast audiences deserve to see the fantastic breadth of talent that might otherwise only be accessible in metropolitan areas.”

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced that the overall $674,938 in NSW Government support will result in more than 90 presentations across over 50 NSW locations, bringing a diverse range of leading arts and cultural companies and institutions to the regions, playing across a variety of venues – both big and small.

Further details on the specific acts and dates will be released by venues on the Central Coast in the coming months.

“Touring is an expensive business, but this funding helps us to share the cost and ensure that regional areas receive exposure to some of our most acclaimed presenting companies,” said Minister Harwin.

“As well as bringing creative excellence to boost the arts and culture offering across the regions, this funding also creates valuable employment opportunities, both for artists and for locals working across the participating venues,” continued the Minister.

Regional Arts Touring funding supports projects that provide access to arts and cultural audiences living in regional NSW. Funding is available for tours of all art-forms, including performing arts, music, visual arts, literature, history, museums and multi-arts.